Holographic Optical Imaging Device Using Wavefront Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging devices lack a compact design with high spatial resolution for examining objects, particularly in applications requiring precise spatial and spectral information.
Innovation Solution
The optical imaging device employs a beam splitter element to split object light into two components, which are then wavefront-inverted and interfered at a detection unit to form an interference pattern, allowing for high spatial resolution imaging and spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but spatial resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the object light into two separate light components using a beam splitter element, with each component traveling through a distinct optical path. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path's length and configuration, enabling compact overall device design while maintaining sufficient optical path difference for high spatial resolution interferometric measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavefront inversion as an additional dimensional transformation in the optical path. By inverting the wavefront of at least one light component, the device creates a novel interference mechanism that enhances spatial resolution without requiring proportionally larger device dimensions, effectively adding a functional dimension to the compact design
2Measurement precision
If wavefront inversion is implemented, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavefront inversion function with existing optical elements in the path of the first light component. By integrating wavefront inversion into the conventional optical path rather than adding separate dedicated inversion components, the device achieves enhanced spatial resolution while minimizing increases in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter element serves as an intermediary that not only divides the light into two components but also facilitates the wavefront inversion process. This intermediary role allows the beam splitter to mediate between the simple light splitting function and the more complex wavefront inversion requirement, reducing the need for additional complex components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables high spatial resolution imaging and spectral analysis, providing detailed spatial and spectral information of the examination object, even in compact device designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one beam splitter element onto which object light emanating from an examination object is incident via an input aperture of the device and at which the object light is split into a first light component and into a second light component which comprise a respective wavefront
Implementation Method 2
the wavefronts of the first light component and of the second light component interfere at the detection unit depending on an inclination angle between the wavefronts to form a respective interference pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical imaging device. The device comprises at least one beam splitter element onto which object light emanating from an examination object is incident via an input aperture of the device and at which the object light is split into a first light component and into second light components which comprise a respective wavefront, a detection unit which is arranged behind the at least one beam splitter element in the direction of propagation of the object light, and an evaluation unit coupled to the detection unit, wherein the device is configured in a wavefront-inverting manner for inverting the wavefront of the first light component and/or the wavefront of the second light component wherein the first light component and the second light component are incident on the detection unit via at least one optical element, wherein the wavefronts of the first light component and of the second light component interfere at the detection unit depending on an inclination angle between the wavefronts to form a respective interference pattern, which inclination angle is characteristic of an angle which the object light comprises on the incidence side with respect to a defined direction of arrival on the at least one beam splitter element, and wherein the evaluation unit generates an image of the examination object based on the interference pattern.